Stringing beads to make necklaces and bracelets is a way to introduce the basic idea of using yarn or string to connect different elements together. Large beads are a good choice because they can be easily gripped by small hands. Dry pasta noodles and cereal are inexpensive and novel alternatives to beads. Taping one end of yarn or thick string creates a firm point that makes threading holes easier for young learners. Have your students follow a prescribed pattern for stringing different beads, or allow them to make their own creative choices to make their own jewelry.
Punching holes around the outside of a piece of card stock, thin plastic or laminated paper creates a sewing activity in which preschoolers string yarn in and out of the rows of holes to create a frame. This sewing card project requires fingers rather than needles, but a blunt plastic canvas needle can be threaded with yarn for older students. Sewing cards can feature seasonal pictures, double as flash cards or follow the outline of a familiar shape. A more advanced sewing card activity is to have students line up the holes of two matching cards and sew the cards together.
Slits cut 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart around the perimeter of a shape cut from firm poster board creates an activity that is similar to sewing cards but uses a different technique. Yarn is hooked into one of the slits to begin the project. Preschool students then wrap the yarn around the shapes, slipping them into the slits to hold it in place. The yarn does not necessarily have to go in a straight line around the borders. Instead, the students can wrap their shapes as they wish. This introductory sewing project does not require any type of needle.
Sewing on burlap is a project best suited for more advanced preschoolers. Stretching a piece of burlap fabric onto an embroidery hoop creates a base on which children can practice actual sewing techniques. The thick, loose weave of the burlap allows it to be sewn with a blunt plastic canvas needle threaded with lengths of yarn. After being shown what to do, students can practice bringing the needle in and out of the burlap and experiment making their own shapes and designs.